Hand & Power Tool Storage Tips

As a homeowner, you most likely have a wide range of tools at your disposal. Even the smallest task or renovation project can require quite a few different tools to get the work done. Between hammers, screw drivers, wrenches and power tools, it can be difficult to keep your tools organised.

If you’re a contractor, this can be an even more difficult task. Carpentry, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, the quantity and variety of tools required for this type of jobs is immense.

Having just the right tool for the job is a great feeling, however it takes time and a quite a bit of money to build up a good collection of power and motorised tools.

But no matter what kind of tools you currently have in your possession, the fact is that the longer they last, the less money you will need to spend on replacements. Even if you not use them too often, it’s still very important to protect your investment and store them properly so that they’ll remain in good working order and be ready for use when needed again.

People usually have their tools all over their homes from the attic or basement to the garage and even in outside sheds, but if they are not stored properly, they can break and rust. Also, the more organised and easier to locate you keep them, the more efficiently you will be able to complete your projects.

Keep your hand and power tools safe and organised by following these tips:

Check the Manufacturer’s Instructions

Some manufacturers will have specific instructions for how to care and store their tools when not in use and will offer guidelines for the best way to store them, so consult your manual first and foremost. It’s important to follow these instructions, especially for larger power tools so they remain in good working condition.

Clean the Tools

Over time, dust, dirt, grease and debris can work their way inside your power tools, gumming up the sensitive electronic parts inside. Any dirt or moisture that remains on the tools while they are in storage can result in the formation of rust or corrosion.

In order to keep your tools in the best shape possible, clean them before storage. Wipe them down with a damp rag to remove any superficial dirtiness or use a cloth and some oil to remove any caked-on dirt. Also use a small brush with soft bristles to scrape any soil and dirt away from any moving parts.

Check for Damages

While you are cleaning the tools, check for signs of rust, damage or defects. Any tools that are rusty or damaged should be repaired before storage, and if the tool cannot be fixed, then throw it away.

Dry Off Each Tool

If you utilised any water, soap or other liquids to clean your tools, give them an adequate amount of time to dry before putting them into storage. This will prevent the formation of rust, mould or mildew.

Apply a Lubricant Metal Protectant Spray

Protect your metal hand and power tools from rust and keep all their moving parts and gears in the best condition by applying a layer of metal protectant spray before storage.

Use the Power Tools Original Hard Cases

Power tools usually come in hard, plastic cases, designed to protect them from damage and it is always advisable to keep them stored inside these cases whenever possible. They will keep your power tools safe, plus all the accessories and power cords can be stored together in the case, allowing everything to be easily transportable to your next project area.

For storing smaller hand tools or power tools without their original cases, choose sturdy, waterproof plastic containers. A plastic bin, toolbox or tool chest with a tight-fitting lid is a is a simple but effective option that will do the job well.

Inventory Your Tools and Keep Them Organised

Before you pack away your tools, make an inventory of what you are storing and where it is located. Label each tool storage container with contents, this way you’ll quickly be able to find the right tool for the job.

To make it even easier to find the tools you need, keep them all neat and organised in an area where you’ll have plenty of space to move around. It will make accessing them much simpler.

Store the Tools Off the Groundin a Safe, Dry Place

Beside placing the tools in the correct containers, you need to ensure that area you are storing them in is safe and dry. Tools should also never be placed directly on the ground for storage. The ground generally tends to be more prone to fluctuations in temperature and moisture which can damage your tools. When choosing a place to store them, pick a location that is higher off the floor.

Put larger containers and bins on the floor. For added protection against rust, moisture and dust, elevate them on pallets. Stack smaller containers on top of larger ones or invest in some shelving for smaller hand and power tools.

U Store It Climate Control Storage Solutions

Whether you are an experienced qualified contractor or an enthusiastic DIY weekend warrior, you probably have more tools than available space to safely store them. Having all those drills, power saws, sanding machines and other bulky equipment cluttering up your valuable space most likely makes you feel depressed and less keen to use them, so why not consider storing them in a climate-controlled storage unit?

U Store It has storage facilities throughout Ireland with climate-controlled storage options. A climate-controlled storage unit features active management of temperature, humidity and air quality, so your tools will be safe from rapid temperature fluctuations and moisture build-ups.

Placing your tools in a self-storage unit will keep them secure, away from children and frees up useful space in your home for other items.